Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Praise for the Garda Síochána and the other agencies to which the Minister refers ought not be restricted to his side of the House. We on this side commend their work too. Is it not a fact that, according to Garda figures, only 10% of the drugs that come through or into this jurisdiction are seized? One cannot point to the figures as manifest evidence of progress. They are as likely to be evidence of an increased throughput of drugs, into and through this jurisdiction. How many new dog units are in place and where are they available? Can we go on tolerating the fact that young lives are being ravaged in every town, village and urban area because of the easy availability of drugs? They are ravaging communities, destroying young people's lives and out of control. The voluntary agencies believe the Government no longer supports, philosophically or financially, the partnership built up in the early days between the community and State sectors.

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